Review: Girl Parts by John M. Cusick
Title: Girl Parts
Author: Cusick, John M
Length: 218 pages
Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, General
Publisher / Year: Candlewick Press / 2010
Source: Lent to me by the lovely Colleen
Rating: 4/5
Why I Read It: It sounded interesting and Colleen thought I would enjoy it (she was right).
Date Read: 28/08/10
This book sounds odd, but believe me it’s really great. I am not sure I can do the book justice by attempting to summarize it, so here is what the book itself says:
“Hello, David. My name is Rose. It’s a pleasure to meet you. We are now entering minute two of our friendship. According to my Intimacy Clock, a handshake is now appropriate.”
David and Charlie are opposites. David has a million friends, online and off. Charlie is a soulful outsider, off the grid completely. But neither feels close to anybody. When David’s parents present him with a hot Companion bot designed to encourage healthy bonds and treat “dissociative disorder,” he can’t get enough of luscious, redheaded Rose – and he can’t get it soon. Companions come with strict intimacy protocols, and whenever he tries anything, David gets an electric shock. Parted from the boy she was built to love, Rose turns to Charlie, who finds he can open up to her, knowing that she isn’t real. With Charlie’s help, the ideal “companion” is about to become her own best friend.
In a stunning and hilarious debut, John Cusick takes rollicking aim at Internet culture and our craving for meaningful connection in an uber-connected world.
Now, let me begin by saying that I did not find anything in this book remotely funny. Maybe I giggled once or twice, but in no way hilarious. Stunning yes, hilariuos no. And I’m not sure either that I would say the book takes aim at internet culture. Craving for meaningful connection yes, internet culture no. So that last sentence has it all wrong. Rant over.
David is a rich boy. He’s Mr. Popular at school, and thinks he can get away with anything. His parents are fairly absent, he drinks, smokes, drives way too fast, and generally is out looking for trouble. When his school counselor tells his family he suffers from “dissociative disorder” they get him Rose. With Rose he finally starts making a connection and starts to mellow out – but is it enough?
I wasn’t sure at first how Charlie fit in to the story. He was the complete opposite of David. A bit of a loner, off the grid, lives with his father across the lake from David’s family. When he does come in though, it was brilliant. I loved his interactions with Rose and how he saw her as a real person… for the most part.
This book, to me, takes a really hard look at gender roles and expectations for teens in dating. Rose is, essentially, a robot. Connected via ethernet to satellites so that she can constantly update and increase knowledge, she responds as a normal human – if you don’t know, you would think she was human. She is incredibly insightful and smart. Watching her progress and become more and more real and gain more of a personality through the book was fascinating.
Rose is a Companion. A robot designed to be the perfect companion for a young boy having issues with interpersonal relationships. She controls the level of intimacy through electric shocks if the boy tries to go too far. She is constantly thinking about pleasing the boy, constantly trying to make him happy, constantly trying to be ‘perfect’ and always thinking of him. It was chilling to read, because it was like a throw-back to relationships years ago.
Think about it. Who was supposed to control the intimacy level in the relationship? Why girls of course, guys have to be taught better. And who was supposed to sacrifice for the other? Why girls of course. And not have a voice, agree with the partner? Yep, you got it. And though physical relations aren’t supposed to happen right away… the main goal is babies right? That is what women are good for.
What was especially scary was that these old fashioned notions were in the future. Oh please let us not go there! All of these issues come up in the book and are dealt with in a really interesting manner. I loved Rose and how through creating her as a Companion bot Cusick examined all of these issues. From the blurb it seems this isn’t what the book was SUPPOSED to be about, but it sure did a great job, in my mind. I highly recommend this book for the interesting relationship issues that come up in it!
I’ve never heard of this book before but it sounds really unique. I’m curious to know what happens to Rose…
It is quite unique Lydia. I’m glad I’ve got you curious
I saw this book when it first arrived at the store where I work and it looked really interesting. I’m so happy to see that you liked it! It seems like one of those books that could be really well done or just terrible. I’ll take your recommendation and go ahead and add it to my reading list. Thanks!
I really hope you enjoy it Erin! I wasn’t sure of it at first, but ended up really enjoying it!
I think this is the book so far this year that has surprised me the most and left me thinking about society and life the most. I was expecting a light, fluffy read and that so isn’t what Girl Parts was.
And apparently there is a sequel in the works.
Yes, I wouldn’t have read it without you Colleen, so thank you! And a sequel??? Very awesome!!
This book is new to me but the premise sounds very interesting.
Yes, quite different reviewsbylola!
This sounds like a great book. I must see if I can get a hold of it!
Hmm, my Dutch only bookshop has this book (in English) but it’s categorized under Children’s books. I take it you don’t agree? (children’s is everything that’s not adult, I should add, so incl. YA)
Well, YA is kind of Children’s, in some places it can be categorized as such. Young adult, so closer to children’s than adult I guess? It was interesting though leeswammes
This one sounds fascinating! Isn’t it strange how women are viewed simultaneously as both unable to control our desires and responsible for controlling the desires of men? We are such an amazing gender.
Are we ever Trisha – we can, apparently, do it all! heh
I hadn’t heard about his one before and it sounds interesting. Oh the irony of having a robot teach a child about interpersonal relationships. Ha! I’m definitely intrigued…
I know right Kristen! It is quite ironic, and also plays really well on gender roles through the portrayal of woman as robot. Or robot as woman. One of those
Sounds like this book would be a great book club read, like for a YA book club, because the discussion could just keep on flowing. I can’t wait to read my copy that I got from BEA!
I definitely think it would make a great book club pick April! I really hope you enjoy it. And I didn’t realize this was at BEA – another great book I missed
Thank goodness Colleen lent it to me. Heh.
I have to admit that I read the plot summary twice and I’m not sure if I understand it exactly, but then you did make it sound really interesting, so yes.. another wishlist add
I understand that Iris! When I first heard of this I was like ugh, weird, don’t get it. But then I saw a few reviews that intrigued me. And then Colleen said I had to read it. And then I looooved it
Ok, I just have to read this book! I have never heard of anything quite like it before, and the way you describe it and your reactions to it make me feel like I would be a fool to pass this one up. Thanks so much for shining a spotlight on this really unique book. I am off to add it to my wish list right now!!
It is very unique zibilee. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on it.
Intersting and a plot that could so easily go wrong, ending up confirming that it is the girls responsibility to control intimacy and themselves. I guess it went right though because you liked it and I’m always up for more right about gender representations. Is it kind of Stepford wifesey?
Yes, could very easily go wrong Jodie! I’m very happy to report that, in my opinion anyway (!) it went very right! I haven’t read / seen Stepford Wives though, so couldn’t comment on that!